I love that a whale once dipped to glide a few feet under our boat. Another time I spotted a moose “hidden” in immobility. And I was stricken into stillness myself when a grizzly huffed at me before stalking off.

Essays: Why I love Alaska020117
AE1Capital City Weekly I love that a whale once dipped to glide a few feet under our boat. Another time I spotted a moose “hidden” in immobility. And I was stricken into stillness myself when a grizzly huffed at me before stalking off.

I love that a whale once dipped to glide a few feet under our boat. Another time I spotted a moose “hidden” in immobility. And I was stricken into stillness myself when a grizzly huffed at me before stalking off.

I love a hot campfire, and after boating in the rain, getting into my car - it’s waterproof! - then home.

I’ve relished the plenty of a full freezer and stacked cases of jarred salmon.

I’m lucky to have known and loved multiple generations of family, to have friendships and a marriage measured in decades, and to have experienced the wisdom and graciousness of Tlingit culture.

I’ve led an interesting life, full of beauty, adventure, and love, all thanks to Alaska.

Joqalin Estus is Tlingit and English-Irish, of the Raven moiety, Kaach.ádi clan, from Wrangell. She has had a long career in broadcast journalism and is currently news director of KNBA, Alaska Native News. Joqalin is the great-granddaughter of Louis Paul, who, with his brother William, helped establish the Alaska Native Brotherhood as a political power to be reckoned with in Alaska.